All pictures can be found here at iGoogle's gadget page.

Etosha Park, Namibia

Etosha Park in Namibia (previously known as South West Africa) was set up when the state was still a German colony. Originally, at 38 thousand square miles, the park was the largest in the world, but has since, unfortunately, been chopped down to less than 10 thousand, because of political change.

The park is still one of the most important in the world, housing various native, protected wildlife.

The Forbidden City, Beijing

The Forbidden City was the exclusive home of the Emperor Kublai Khan, and was part of the Imperial City in Beijing during the Mongol Yuan Dynasty.

The Ming Dynasty followed after the Yuan was overthrown. At this time, and under this latter ruler-ship, the capital was moved to Nanjing.  Beijing then, was demoted to a secondary capital city. In 1406 Chief engineers and eunuchs started building what was to become the Forbidden City as it is now known, so that rich, important families could live securely away from the rest of the nation.

The Roman Forum, Rome

The Roman Forum (or Forum Romanum) is the nucleus of  ancient Roman civilization. The most important buildings like the palace and the senate of the original city can be found in this haunting forum. 

The forum was the place to gather for any public meeting, and was considered to be the essence of the Roman Empire. Google is right in its choice of this particular destination, as this is indeed, one of the places you must see before you die - if only for the fact that a lot of the ancient world's most important decisions were made at this spot.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is a gigantic gorge situated near the Colorado River in Arizona.  It can be accessed through the Grand Canyon National Park, which was one of the first National Parks to be established in the US.

Before Europeans moved to America, the area of the Grand Canyon National Park was inhabited by Native Americans who made their homes in the natural caves occurring there, believing that the site was holy and special.

Hallstatt, Austria

When I noticed that Google had recommended Hallstatt as a site to see before you die, I couldn't understand why until I read about its history.

The name Hall is from the old Celtic name meaning salt, and a few years ago, Halstatt had just 946 inhabitants.  The reason for the name is probably due to the many salt mines near to the village, and the reason this area is so attractive to tourists, is because the world's first salt mine is located nearby.

Hallstatt can be toured on foot in just 10 minutes.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is the most developed city in Nepal and stands at an elevation of about 4,500 feet. More than 2.7 people live in Kathmandu, which is situated at the prime area of the most visited mountains of the world.

Kathmandu is considered by many, as the most beautiful city on earth, and has earned a firm place in the list of places to visit before you die.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

The Amboseli National Park was previously called, Maasi Amboseli Game Reserve.

It spans 151 square miles and spreads across the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.  This area is especially note worthy, because of the world-popular Maasai people who originally inhabited it.  Nowadays, many people from other part of the country have settled there as well, because of the area's increasing productiveness.

The Amboseli National Park arguably offers the best wildlife-viewing experiences in the world, but not only this, it gives tourists a chance to meet the Maasai and to enjoy the views of mount Kilimanjaro.

Ko Phi Phi Don,  Thailand

Phi Phi Don used to be populated by Muslim fishermen in the 1940s, but later it became a coconut plantation.  It is the largest island of the group of Thai Phi Phi islands, and is the only one with permanent inhabitants.   These spectacularly beautiful islands were the main setting of the film ‘Beach,' staring Leonardo De Caprio.

The Meteora, Greece

The Meteora, (suspended rocks) is one of the mainstream complexes of the Eastern Orthodox  monasteries. It is believed that the monasteries were first established in the 11^th century and that the monks lived among the caves and contours in these rocks. Although the monasteries have now become some of the most popular tourist sites in the world, a lot of them are mainly museums.

These places listed here are all steeped in natural history, and are destinations which make our world the beautiful, fascinating place that it is.  It is exciting that a powerful body such as Google, has chosen to give them the exposure that they so rightly deserve.  Every time I log into the internet, my iGoogle page presents me with a different picture of one of these totally remarkable places, places which I would definitely love to see before I die.

At the end of the continent is a wild coast called Glacier Bay. The bay is a large Y shaped fjord. Mountain ranges rise to 15,000 feet. There are 10 tidewater glaciers, coastal beaches, fjords, and protected coves encompassing this breathtaking wonder.

There's such a diversity of life existing here, that it's hard to believe that only 200 years ago, all of this was capped under nearly a mile of glacial ice. A century later, it has retreated 65 miles, leaving a landscape that is changing everyday.

Grand Canyon

Carved by the Colorado River, is a gorge known as the Grand Canyon. Jokingly called by us Arizonans as the “12 second tour” (due to the accidental falls by tourists), this canyon took more than six million years to be created.

It is more than a mile deep, and 277 miles long. The canyon developed in two different direction. It first started from the west, and then from the east. The two then converged forming a canyon rich in color. So when traveling here, pay attention, and watch your step.

Sedona

Snoopy Rock

It is known for its red sandstone, and unusual formations. The city was named after the city's first postmaster's wife, Sedona Miller Schnebly. To us Arizonans, it is known as Red Rock Country.

Cathedral Rock

The type of reddish-orange layering of rock in Sedona, is found only in this vicinity. It has monoliths known as Coffeepot, Snoopy, Cathedral Rock, and Thunder Mountain.

Redwood National Park

So much diversity exists at the Redwood National and State Parks. It contains some of the most amazing forests in the world. The trees are the tallest living organisms than anywhere in the world, with trees growing as tall as 350 feet. Some of the redwoods that grow here take 400 years to mature, with some even being as old as 2,000 years.

Once upon a time the majestic redwoods began to fall victim to the lumbering trade. But eventually they became protected under the Save-the-Redwoods-League. The park is now part of the World Heritage Site as a testament to the slow growth of these beautiful trees, and as a reminder at how we need to be responsible in protecting them.

Crater Lake

Located in Oregon, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It was created with the collapse of a volcano. It is nearly 2,000 feet deep, and is the seventh deepest lake in the world. The Lake was created when Mount Mazama exploded caving in on itself. Eventually over time, melting ice and rainwater would fill the crater creating what is seen today. The original volcano no longer exists, but a new one is taking shape. It is known as Wizard Island, and the mound is slowly developing into a new volcanic state.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Unlike the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon is comprised of about a dozen smaller eroded ravines. The erosion has created thousands of bizarre and unusual rock formations, ranging in a vast array of beautiful colors.

The park is named after Ebenezer Bryce a Mormon farmer, who established the region in the 1920's. The rock shapes were created by water erosion (rain and melting snow). The fragile shapes are known as hoodoos.

Yellowstone National Park

Located in Wyoming, Yellowstone became a national park in 1872. Known for its geothermal fissures, and the world famous Old Faithful, this park was the first of its kind. Yellowstone spans an area of almost 3,500 square miles.

Yellowstone Lake is centered over Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest super volcanoes on the continent. The caldera is still an active volcano, and has erupted on many occasions over the last two million years.

The Grand Canyon was declared a nation park on February 26, 1919. It is not the largest canyon both The canyon has two rims, the north and south. The North rim is an average of 1200 feet higher than the south. The south rim is open 365 days and 24 hours a day. The North Rim is only open through May to November. All Firearms and fireworks are prohibited from the park. Pets are allowed in the park but not recommended and they must be on a leash at all times.

When hiking in the Grand Canyon it is highly suggested that you bring at least a gallon of water per person because of the hot dry air can easily pull moisture from your body. Water sources are available but are not available on most trails.

The Bottom of The Grand Canyon is 1850 feet above sea level and the highest point on the canyon is 9,000 feet above sea level. The canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide and covers over 1.2 million acres.

This colorful steep-sided gorge is a sight to behold. Carved out by the Colorado river in Arizona, it is 277 miles long and varies between 4 and 18 miles wide. Best seen by helicopter.

2. Golden Temple

This temple is the most important shrine of Sikhism and is beautiful to see. It is located in Amritsar in India.

3. Taj Mahal

This mausoleum, located in Agra India, is the finest example of Mughal Architecture.

4. Machu Picchu

Often referred to as the "Lost city of the Incas", this amazing Inca site sits 7970 feet above sea level in Peru. If you want to trek there you need to be fit! There are easier ways to see it though.

5. The Pyramids

These are amongst the largest structures ever built. They are the most famous symbol of Ancient Egyptian civilization.

6. Venice

Situated in the North of Italy, Venice consists of 117 small islands and is often known as the "City of Water". Take a Gondola and bathe in the romance of it all.

7. Great Wall of China

This amazing 4000 mile-long wall was built and rebuilt between the 5th century BC and the 16th century to protect the Northern borders of the Chinese empire.

8. Paris

The city of love and romance. If you haven't been, go now!

9. Rio De Janeiro

The second city of Brazil is set in a spectacular natural setting and is famed for its dancing and its carnival.

10. Salisbury

Ok, this city in Southern England won't feature on many lists, but I live there, and it is a wonderful place to visit! The Cathedral has the highest spire in England.

I witnessed almost a dozen automobile accidents and was advised of three shootings during the first 48 hours. Welcome to the Wild West meets Disneyland.

All the accidents and the drive from the airport to the hotel led me to the conclusion that in Las Vegas ninety-eight percent of the people do not know how to drive, and the remaining two percent are lost. I am ashamed to say I was in both categories at one point or another during our stay.

In Las Vegas no one uses their turn signals, it must be a law, and even if they do forget and use it, it is usually to late to be meaningful. This was verified by the police officer who pulled me over and asked if I was from out of town, I said yes and asked how he knew, he said I was using my turn signal too often and it was confusing the other drivers. The road system is woefully inadequate and confusing. Please allow to me explain.

The two main arteries are 15 also known as 93 (part of the time), which runs north and south, most of the time (sometimes it goes east west). The other is 95 also known as 515 and 93, although it is perpendicular to 15/93 in downtown Las Vegas, it also runs north and south (OK, sometimes it goes east west). Not too confusing, just wait. Las Vegas Boulevard is also known as The Strip or 604, with various personality names thrown in for good luck. City planners change street names more often than I change my underwear, Industrial Drive will soon be known as Dean Martin Way, or Sammy Davis Circle or Rat Pack Drive, I am not quite sure. A four-way intersection may have four different street names, one for each direction. Many roads have two names. Good luck.

I think the rental car companies and the oil companies, worked something out with the casino conglomerates. Either that or the City planners are all dizzy from playing slots and can't see straight. In spite of them, we made it to the hotel.

Because we arrived late and the airline food was so tasty and nutritious, we ordered room service. I had a bowl of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich for $20.00 not including tip. What a bargain. The soup was lukehot and the sandwich was soggy. Much better than the airline though.

I got out my laptop to check my email and see what entertainment was available for the next day. I turned on, hooked up, and clicked only to find a new home page explaining the procedures and fees for daily use of the internet. A bargain at only $11.99 for each 24 hour period, that's a day to most of us. That is twenty times the price I pay at home.

I am starting to get the picture, grilled cheese at home about $1.25, here $12.95. So everything is between ten and twenty times normal prices. I guess I can go without, for a week. I can fax anything important, how much could that cost. Guest services graciously explained, at no charge, the $6.00 per page fee,. Wow, a casino with something for nothing, even though it was only information, I was amazed there was no catch.

OK, no grilled cheese, no internet. Wait a minute; I thought vacations were supposed to be about spoiling ourselves.

By the way, on the sixth day I found an excellent Korean/French bakery called Tresor or something like that, with couches and free internet, yes I said FREE. Better late than never. Now, if I could only find my way back

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The young man behind the counter had recently moved to Vegas from Texas with his family, he was not very happy about it, but he was very pleasant and helpful, despite his current situation.

We found many things to do through old fashion leg work and the telephone. It took way too much time but we were on a budget - eat or surf. The Hoover Dam, formerly known as Prince, I mean Boulder Dam, was a marvelous site though it appears to still be under construction. Parking was only $7.00, don't they know how close to Vegas they are?

We found out the hard way that the old fashion way has its draw backs. Everyone we talked to, including the resource center at the library, said that the north rim of the Grand Canyon was much prettier than the south rim, so we headed for the town of North Rim, only a four hour ride. They did not mention that it does not open until Spring. They close the Grand Canyon for the winter - who is in charge of this. Four hours later we were at the south rim, just after dark. What a view. If you squint you can almost see a big hole. Lucky for us there was a room available at the Lodge. The view of the canyon in the morning with sunlight was worth the trip, and it only cost us about $20.00 extra for gas to drive all the way around the Grand Canyon. Yes folks we drove all the way around the Grand Canyon. Those poor settlers. They should have set up camp upon arrival and waited for the invention of the automobile.

For our next act, we went to a comedy show. Oy vay he said over and over, but he did not complain about the tables. I guess he does not go to see shows. They were so small we could barely fit two $15.00 drinks on them. Really a coaster with legs. There were six people at the table next to us, it was like being inside a sardine can with a high roof.

We picked our next show because it was in a theater with seats. Of course my wife had to raise her hand when the comedian asked for questions from the audience. He was picking on everyone who was brave enough to do so. What was she thinking? When her turn came, she stood up to get her share of abuse, and he looked right at me, still sitting, and said, “Are you her husband?”. I guess my abuse me light was still on. I made the mistake of saying yes, and he ripped me a new one. Why me? She was standing, not me. A 6'8” Jew ripping an Arab a new one, now I know why they are still fighting in the Middle East.

We went to most of the free shows, the gay pirates vs. the whores at TI, the fountains at Bellagio, and the $20.00 roller coaster ride at NYNY.

We also went to the art exhibit displaying impressionist works from Monet to Van Gough. They gave each of us these magic wands that could explain each of the painters when you pressed the correct buttons. Lame presentation but the paintings were almost as magnificent as the Grand Canyon, a bargain at only $15.00 per.

We drove down The Strip on Saturday night, only took an hour to go 3 miles. Note to self, never do that again.

Several hundred accidents, a couple more shootings (stay out of North Vegas), and 20 traffic jams later, we were back at the airport. By the way, our car was searched at the Hoover Dam. Like I said, lucky to get home alive.

We hiked past rugged cliffs and rest stations that unsurely cling to the cliffs of the canyon hanging there looking like there about to fall down. When we were at the bottom of the canyon I look up at the now hostile cliff above me restrained to falling by some supports. The canyon is 2 miles deep in many places. The layers of sandstone we touched were a natural work of art. Unassuming, the people whoosh by us as if they were running from the canyon as if to fall down. I was surprised at how many people actually attempt the 8-mile walk down the canyon. When we were at the surface I nastily promptly take a look at a weatherbeaten poster on one of the canyons rock walls that faintly says ?most of the people who get too tired hiking and have to be helicoptered out of the canyon are teens who think they can make it, bring water don?t get dehydrated!?

I was baffled when what I thought was 1 or 2 miles to a certain rock in the Canyon was actually 9 miles! One rock stood out from the others with some dry and some lush moss and a hardly growing spruce tree on the crimson top of the rock, it also looked so helpless, as if it were teetering on a fulcrum point. We decided to go to the Grand Canyon because seeing it is kind of a once in a life time event also to visit my grandparents vacationing house in Phoenix, AZ and to visit many towns in Arizona (the hot weather is nice too). We got there by train, boarded from Chicago and got off in a small town: Flagstaff, AZ. We drove from Flagstaff in a rental car to wherever we wanted to go. It was busy at our departure station Chicago Grand Central Station and many people on the blinding silver train cars looked us a barbaric look. 2 hours later and we were looking THEM a barbaric look!

It soon got crowded on the train as we stopped at the first few stops. At popular stops the many people getting off caused havoc, I ignorantly read a book for the duration. The Amtrak train we were on was a double decker and was surprisingly spacious with running water, drinking water, snack bar and lounge car with movies nightly. The train ride was an agonizing about 48 hours each way. The Grand Canyon was created by the Colorado River eating its way through the sandstone. The many straining shades of loud orange are somewhat nice.

The Grand Canyon was improperly explored by two unassuming Spanish gold miners. It was properly explored by Major John Powell when he took a few canoes and about 20 men and used the river to travel in the canyon. It was finally properly mapped by satellites. The canyon is better known to the local Hopi tribes that live there and they called it the Gateway to Heaven. We stayed in various hotels, one attractive and artistic includes the Cameron Hotel. The Cameron Hotel itself is located in the heart of the desert and in the small village of Cameron, it also shows off with a gold shimmering glow at night seen from miles.

It also has a Mexican courtyard with exotic plants. I really liked Arizona and bought a few prickly and fuzzy cacti which are now happily growing in my home with genuine sandstone and desert dirt (ground up course sandstone).